Chris Kelly will not play in the Bruins' final two games of the regular season, although the team is optimistic that the forward will return in time for the playoffs.

By Dan CagenDaily News staff

BOSTON — Chris Kelly will not play in the Bruins' final two games of the regular season, although the team is optimistic that the forward will return in time for the playoffs.

Kelly injured his back Tuesday and hasn't skated since. He sat out Thursday's game at Winnipeg, and coach Claude Julien said there were some spasm issues affecting the veteran.

As long as Kelly is out, Jordan Caron will play in his place. Kelly has six goals and five assists in 29 games since returning from a broken leg Jan. 28, and plays an integral role on the penalty kill and assisting Carl Soderberg with faceoffs.

The Bruins will field a normal lineup Saturday against the Sabres, aside from Kelly's absence.

That means Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara and David Krejci will all play after each sat out one of the last two games for rest. Jarome Iginla and Kevan Miller returned from minor injuries Thursday.

Tuukka Rask will start in net.

Julien said a decision on the quality of their lineup Sunday at New Jersey has not been made. The Bruins can clinch the Presidents' Trophy on Saturday with a win or an Anaheim loss to Los Angeles.